Which politician would more Americans prefer to share a drink with: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz or Ohio Senator JD Vance?

Although the 2024 presidential election is still a ways off, a recent YSL News/Suffolk University poll shows Walz with a lead over Vance in terms of favorability. After the Democratic convention, 36% of likely voters expressed a positive opinion of Vance, who was a running mate for former President Donald Trump. In contrast, 48% viewed Walz positively, who is Vice President Kamala Harris’s choice for VP.

Vance struggled with independent voters, where 47% reported an unfavorable view of him, compared to 36% unfavorability for Walz.

In terms of favorability, Vance also fell behind Walz among Black Americans and women, but he did perform better with male and white voters.

More than half of Black voters in the survey indicated they had a favorable opinion of Walz, while only 15% felt the same about Vance. Walz also surpassed Vance in favorability among women and those aged 35 to 49.

This election year has put a spotlight on vice presidential selections. There was extensive speculation regarding Trump’s choice for VP, and Harris became the leading figure in the Democratic race after President Joe Biden withdrew from the reelection campaign in July.

Voters were also asked if they believed Vance and Walz were qualified for the presidency, and Walz outperformed Vance by 12 points, achieving 54% versus 42% in support.

The survey involved 1,000 likely voters interviewed between August 25 and August 28, via cellphones and landlines. The overall margin of error for the poll is ±3.1 percentage points. For independent voter responses, the margin of error is ±5.9 points, and for Black voter responses, it is ±9 points.

‘He feels genuine to me’

What factors contribute to Walz’s higher favorability compared to Vance? Tammy Ferrell, a 52-year-old Democrat from South Carolina, shared with YSL News that Walz resonates more as an everyday American than Vance does.

“He feels genuine to me, he lives life like the rest of us,” she said. “He feels more like someone I would encounter in daily life.”

In contrast, Ferrell expressed that she hasn’t observed any compassion from Vance, explaining, “I don’t feel he can relate to everyday life.”

However, it’s not solely about personal connection for Ferrell. She emphasized that 2024 is the most critical election regarding reproductive rights in her lifetime. She fears that, even without explicit calls for a national abortion ban from Trump and Vance, they may support further restrictions.

Social media has also been essential in shaping perceptions of the candidates this election season. Walz’s Midwestern charm has gone viral, while Vance has encountered misleading information and negative portrayals online.

Noa Manenerag, a 40-year-old bookkeeper and Democrat from Flint, Michigan, mentioned that their information mostly comes from platforms like TikTok and Facebook, which has not enhanced Vance’s public image.

“I’ve heard some truly outrageous claims about him,” they remarked to YSL News.

Alongside the circulation of false narratives, Manenerag noted that Vance’s engagement with voters has also influenced opinions. They remain unsure if some memes reflect Vance’s true character, but they seem to be pushing voters further away from him.

Manenerag referred to Project 2025, a conservative political initiative created by the Heritage Foundation and former Trump allies that is not officially linked to Vance’s campaign, as a source of distrust towards him.

Trump has publicly distanced himself from the 900-page document and many of its extreme policies, including government reform and anti-LGBTQ measures. Vance has authored a foreword for a book written by one of the plan’s creators, although both he and Trump have attempted to separate themselves from it in recent months.

“I just don’t think (Vance is) looking out for the people’s interests,” Manenerag stated.

‘It’s a gamble’

John Harlan, a 52-year-old independent voter who backed Biden in 2020, is unclear about his choice for 2024. The retired resident of Sacramento, California, told YSL News that he feels both political parties have shifted too far from the center, particularly regarding their vice presidential candidates.

“I have no faith in either candidate,” he commented. “It’s a gamble.”

Harlan mentioned he would prefer a presidential ticket featuring a mix of a Republican and a Democrat, like the proposal made by the No Labels organization. However, that group recently announced it would cease efforts for a unity ticket, leaving Harlan to choose from what he sees as two extremes.

He expressed distrust towards Vance due to his abortion stance and past criticisms of Trump. Similarly, Harlan feels Walz doesn’t inspire much confidence, saying, “He gives me the creeps.”

A resident from California has expressed his concerns regarding some of the progressive policies and actions taken by Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota. This includes his decision to endorse a law requiring public schools in Minnesota to make menstrual products accessible to all students, regardless of their assigned gender at birth.

“I believe this crosses a line,” he remarked.

Harlan mentioned that with less than two months remaining until the Election Day, he still hasn’t made a decision on who to support, finding that these vice-presidential candidates are complicating his choice even more.

“I don’t base my vote on the party; I try to choose what I believe is best for the country,” he stated. “Honestly, I’m still uncertain.”